Bears SS Harris, RB Barber, OG Louis listed doubtful for Sunday

On Friday, the team held out starting strong safety Chris Harris (hamstring) and right guard Lance Louis (ankle) from practice, along with backup running back Marion Barber (calf), who is expected to be inactive for the second consecutive Sunday.

Here’s what Harris had to say about his hamstring:

“It’s feeling a lot better, it’s a day-to-day injury.” “Hamstrings they can be tricky, but it’s nothing major,” he added.

Brandon Meriweather and Chris Spencer are both likely to start in place of Harris and Louis at their respective positions.

Rookie third-round pick Chris Conte will also see some playing time at safety against the Saints on Sunday.

With Barber out, Kahlil Bell will remain the primary backup for Matt Forte at running back.

The official injury report lists Harris, Louis and Barber as doubtful.

Williams update: According to Bears head coach Lovie Smith, wide receiver Roy Williams (groin) “is getting a little bit better,” adding, “We’ll see how it goes.” He is listed as questionable. Johnny Knox will start in place of Williams if he doesn’t play.

OK, so I just finished a biography of Walter Payton (shameless plug: “Sweetness: The Enigmatic Life of Walter Payton; out 10.4) and whenever I read modern injury reports I think of him. Thirteen seasons, ONE missed game—and not his choice. He was as gritty as they get, and he’d laugh at some of today’s maladies. He really would.